Rumour: 3DS shipment less than one-third expected size

If you just can’t wait to get your import 3DS, then you’d better slap a pre-order down. Despite earlier claims, a Japanese retailer is reporting that launch day will see only 400,000 new handhelds in the wild.

Andriasang writes that one retailer is recommending Japanese gamers act immediately when pre-orders open on January 20.

Although Nintendo are reportedly shipping 1.5 million units domestically by the end of the Japanese fiscal year on March 31, the retailer claims only 400,000 will be available for purchase on day one.

Satoru Iwata is reported to have promised 2.5 million 3DS units outside Japan, although no mention was made of how many will be available at launch.